The coach of Paige Bueckers is being held responsible for the disappointing start to the 2025 WNBA season, as reported by Athlon Sports. The Dallas Wings entered the season hoping to improve after a tough 9-31 record last year. However, just weeks into the new season, their struggles continued with a 1-8 record following a 93-79 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday.
Although Guard Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 draft pick, missed the last three games due to concussion protocol, the team’s difficulties began well before her absence. According to Joey Mistretta, coach Chris Koclanes and his staff take full responsibility for the team’s weak start, citing poor management of game rotations and strategies. This is Koclanes’ first year as a WNBA head coach; he previously served as an assistant for the Sparks, Connecticut Sun, and USC Trojans.
As the Wings undergo a rebuilding phase, some setbacks are expected while Bueckers continues to develop her game. Bueckers, a standout at UConn who led her college team to an NCAA Championship, is averaging 14.7 points and 6.7 assists this season. The Wings, once known as the Detroit Shock, have only made the playoffs once since 2009 and have struggled to find consistent success.
This story, originally published by Athlon Sports on June 7, 2025, highlights ongoing challenges for the Wings as they aim to progress.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WNBA fans because it underscores the growing pains teams face during rebuilding efforts, especially when integrating young stars like Paige Bueckers. How the Wings navigate this season could shape the future competitiveness and popularity of the team and impact the league’s overall growth and excitement.
